How to Choose the Right Organic Fertilizer for Tomatoes

by Tony Manhart
(USA)

Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants to grow, as they are typically easy to maintain and produce delicious results.

With the right care, the average tomato plant can produce an average of 10-15 pounds of tomatoes a year, with some capable of producing more than that. When caring for a tomato plant, it is important to know how to choose the right organic fertilizer for tomatoes.

When planting tomatoes, it is important to have a fertilizer that will help it grow. In addition, going organic is often a good idea. Some fertilizers contain chemicals that can potentially be harmful to people and wildlife when not used correctly.

How to Choose the Right Organic Fertilizer for Tomatoes

Fertilizers are key to starting off the growing process of your tomatoes. However, not every fertilizer will be suitable for growing tomato plants. It is important to find the right fertilizer to let your garden flourish.

To find the right fertilizer, it is best to use a soil testing kit. Testing your soil will help you determine what nutrients your plants will need. Your soil may be lacking some of the key nutrients that your tomatoes need to successfully grow.

Nutrients to Look For in Organic Fertilizer

When it comes to fertilizers, look for ones that contain phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. These are the nutrients that your tomato plant will benefit from the most. They will help keep your plant healthy and bountiful.

Phosphorus helps the growth and development of not only the roots but also the fruit. It is most important to have a fertilizer rich for phosphorus when first planting your tomato plant, as well as when it is fully developed.

Nitrogen is beneficial for tomatoes but can be ineffective if too much is added. Nitrogen helps a plant develop healthy foliage. However, too much nitrogen can make the plant too bushy and produce less fruit.

Potassium helps the plants grow at a healthy, rapid weight. It will also help produce flowers and fruit. Potassium is an important part of photosynthesis and can even help prevent some diseases.

When to Use Fertilizer for Tomatoes

Fertilizer should be used throughout the growing process of tomatoes. It should be used when you first plant your tomatoes as well as when the plant is fully grown and producing fruit.

When first planting your tomatoes, adding fertilizer rich in phosphorus will help the tomatoes grow. Proper watering is also key to allowing your plants to grow.

When the tomato plant is growing, fertilizer should continue to be applied weekly. The best option to use is a fertilizer that has nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-P), with the ratios 5-10-5 or 5-10-10.

When the tomato plant is just about to reach flowering, it is vital that it gets the right amount of potassium. It will need lots of potassium until the end of the season. It is best to use a N-P-P soil with a ratio of 8-32-16 or 6-24-24.

Bananas can also be used as an organic fertilizer for your tomato plant. The peels of the bananas can be chopped up and buried in the soil to help with growth.

Another plus about using organic fertilizer is that it helps plants create symbiosis. Not only is the organic fertilizer beneficial for the tomato plants, but it also helps the soil and other nearby plants.

Organic fertilizers can be created by compost, as well as by manure that has been supplemented with wood ash. In addition, you can also buy your own organic fertilizers.

A Successful Garden

Fertilizer is an important step when planting tomatoes. They help keep the plant healthy and promote growth. Going organic is a great way to easily and effectively fertilize your tomatoes while being environmentally friendly.

Gardening Dream

Tony Manhart is founder and editor in chief at Gardening Dream.

Tony’s enthusiasm and rich experience in all things related to growing plants have led him to share his abundant knowledge with gardening aficionados all over the world.

When he is not working around his own garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on a variety of subjects related to plant cultivation and soil maintenance.